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As Microsoft MVPs, our recognition is not just a reflection of technical excellence — it also highlights our commitment to empowering the broader community. One of the most effective ways to extend this impact is by actively leading or participating in local technology user groups.

What Makes User Groups Special?

User groups are not just casual meetups or social gatherings. They are vibrant, collaborative communities where individuals with shared technical interests come together to exchange knowledge, support one another, and develop both professionally and personally. What sets them apart is the emphasis on two-way communication. Rather than being passive content consumers, members are encouraged to engage, ask questions, and share their own experiences and insights.

Rebuilding Connections After the Pandemic

The global pandemic dramatically shifted how we connect, learn, and collaborate. During that time, virtual meetings and online learning became the norm. While remote platforms helped maintain knowledge sharing, many people began to miss the depth of connection and spontaneity that comes with in-person interactions.

Now, as the world reopens, we are seeing a renewed appreciation for community gatherings. A 2023 survey by Eventbrite found that 80% of respondents believe attending in-person events is essential for personal growth and networking, and 67% said they feel more engaged and focused during physical meetups compared to virtual sessions. For technical communities in particular, the ability to whiteboard, brainstorm, and connect face-to-face offers a level of collaboration that can be difficult to replicate online.

User groups are the perfect venue to reignite these real-world connections, blending the flexibility of hybrid learning with the energy of physical gatherings. They provide a space for shared experiences — debugging code together, building prototypes, or simply learning side by side — that builds trust, engagement, and lasting professional relationships.

Why Should You Get Involved?

Participating in a user group is one of the best ways to stay current with Microsoft technologies. By engaging with peers in these communities, you can continuously learn new tools, frameworks, and best practices. Involvement also presents career development opportunities, whether through speaking engagements, networking, or collaborations that emerge from these relationships. For many, user groups become a supportive space to solve technical challenges, explore new ideas, and spark innovation. Most importantly, they allow you to give back — by helping others grow while growing yourself.

How Microsoft Is Supporting User Groups

To empower MVPs and other community leaders, Microsoft has

launched new initiatives that provide both content and logistical support. One exciting development is a global venue access pilot running from April 1 to June 15, 2025. During this time, MVPs can request access to Microsoft office venues around the world to host user group events tied to themes such as the Season of Agents and Season of AI. This initiative makes it easier than ever to host impactful in-person gatherings in professional settings. Details and the request form are available at https://aka.ms/MVPVenuePilot.

In addition to venue support, Microsoft offers a range of ready-to-use educational content to help you bring value to your user group. This includes curated learning paths from the Season of AI, toolkits from the Global AI Bootcamp, and resources for organizing hands-on workshops, guest speaker sessions, and hackathons. These materials are designed to make it easy for you to deliver high-quality content without starting from scratch. You can find more information through the MVP Program Hub at https://aka.ms/MicrosoftVenues.

Join These Global User Group Networks

If you are starting or already running a user group, you can amplify your impact by joining one of Microsoft’s supported community networks:

Azure Tech Groups is a Meetup

Pro network that connects Azure-focused user groups around the world. By joining, your group gains visibility, access to global promotional support, and resources for organizing in-person or hybrid events. It also helps you plug into a global community of Azure enthusiasts and leaders.

Global AI Community is a worldwide initiative focused on bringing AI enthusiasts, developers, and experts together through local events, workshops, and hackathons. Through programs like the Global AI Bootcamp and Season of AI, your group can access content, speakers, and support to run impactful sessions around Microsoft AI technologies.

These programs are ideal platforms for MVPs to connect their local communities with global movements, while taking advantage of proven resources, logistics support, and curated content.

What Makes a Great User Group?

Successful user groups thrive on interaction, consistency, and inclusivity. They are not lecture halls or fan pages, but living communities where members actively share and learn together. A strong user group welcomes participants at all skill levels and ensures that a variety of voices and perspectives are represented. Effective leadership is essential — but leadership in this context means creating space for others to shine, not just being the most knowledgeable person in the room.

Your Next Step: Start or Join a Group

If you are already involved in a user group, consider taking the next step by mentoring others, organizing a session, or helping to plan events. If you’re not yet engaged, now is an ideal time to start a new group or bring fresh energy to an existing one. Microsoft’s support — from venues to content to global networks — makes it easier than ever to create meaningful, high-impact community experiences.

As MVPs, we have the opportunity to lead by example. By helping to grow local user groups, we strengthen the global Microsoft ecosystem — one connection, one conversation, and one community at a time.